MT HB536

Prohibits knowingly hiring, recruiting, referring, or employing aliens not lawfully authorized to work, with mandatory license suspension/revocation penalties: 1 year for first violation, 3 years for second, and 20 years for third or subsequent violations

Creates private cause of action allowing harmed persons to sue for statutory damages of $200 per day for negligent violations or $2,000 per day for knowing violations

Provides affirmative defense for negligent violation claims if employer verified work authorization through E-Verify

Authorizes attorney general, county attorneys, department of labor, and peace officers to investigate and enforce violations

Appropriates $2.5 million per year (FY 2026 and FY 2027) from the general fund to the Department of Justice for investigating, prosecuting, and assisting county attorneys with enforcement